Vintage Glass Vase – Ruby-to-Black

This captivating small glass vase is a striking example of Polish postwar design, created in the 1970s by renowned glass artist Jerzy Słuczan-Orkusz and produced at the Tarnowiec Glassworks. Compact in scale yet rich in expression, the piece features a vibrant ruby red hue that gracefully fades into deep black at the base, creating a dramatic gradient effect that plays beautifully with light and shadow. The bold color palette is masterfully contrasted by a delicate transparent braided handle, applied by hand with exceptional precision and decorative flair. Hand-formed in sodium glass with colored mass, this vase reflects the experimental spirit and craftsmanship that defined the Polish glass design movement of the 1960s and ’70s. Słuczan-Orkusz, known for blending sculptural form with modernist simplicity, brought a sense of individuality and dynamism to utilitarian objects, elevating them to collectible works of art. Elegant yet expressive, this piece serves equally well as a functional vase or a standalone decorative object. A rare find from the Tarnowiec manufactory, it embodies the rich legacy of Eastern European mid-century glassmaking and the artist’s unique visual language—making it an exceptional addition to any curated interior or design collection.

The Tarnowiec Glassworks was one of Poland’s notable postwar glass manufactories, active during the mid- to late 20th century. Located in southern Poland, the factory became known in the 1960s and 1970s for its production of hand-formed artistic glass that combined functionality with strong visual identity. Tarnowiec glassworks embraced colored mass techniques, a hallmark of Polish art glass from the period, and played a vital role in advancing the visual language of modernist design behind the Iron Curtain. Though smaller in scale compared to other national glassworks, Tarnowiec earned respect for its artistic ambition and technical finesse. Today, its creations are sought after by collectors of Eastern European mid-century modern design and serve as a testament to the creativity and resilience of Polish applied arts during the Cold War era.

Jerzy Słuczan-Orkusz (1924–2002) was a renowned Polish glass designer whose work helped define the aesthetic of postwar Polish decorative arts. Educated at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków, he was known for combining functional forms with bold color and sculptural detail. In the 1960s and 1970s, he collaborated with several Polish glassworks, including the Tarnowiec Glassworks, where he developed some of his most recognized designs. His work is marked by the use of colored glass mass, hand-applied details like twisted handles, and a modernist yet expressive style. Słuczan-Orkusz's designs remain highly collectible and are appreciated for their originality, craftsmanship, and contribution to the tradition of mid-century Eastern European glass.

Product details

• Overall dimensions: 7 1/2" × 3 1/8"

• Technique: Hand-formed sodium glass with colored mass and braided handle

• Origin: Poland (Tarnowiec Glassworks)

• Date: 1970s

• Signature: Unsigned